Leaders observe Home Reef during test flight of US Govt Pacific regional jet

Home Reef volcano, with plumes of steam and volcanic gases rising from the active vent. Surrounding waters show discolouration. February 2026. Photo: Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning and Natural Resources.

Tonga’s Prime Minister, Lord Fakafanua, and senior government officials witnessed dramatic changes to the active Home Reef volcanic island, during a United States Government Pacific regional jet demonstration flight hosted by the United States Embassy, on 17 February 2026.

The United States Government Pacific regional jet aircraft was intended to support Heads of Government in the Pacific for regional travel, stated Tonga's Ministry of Lands Survey and Natural Resources.

During the test flight, it was observed that Home Reef has expanded, now measuring more than 1 kilometre wide and approximately 70 metres high.

Home Reef remains in an active eruptive state, producing a continuous white to light grey steam-rich plume with minor volcanic ash, - evidence of ongoing low to moderate phreatomagmatic activity. Seawater discoloration is clearly visible around the island due to ash, fragmented rock, sediments and hydrothermal fluids, with turbidity decreasing farther from the source.

Other volcanic islands on Tonga's western volcanic arc were observed.

Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai comparison, left, the remains of the two islands after the 2022 eruption compared to, right, close-up view of Hunga Haʻapai on 17 February 2026. Photo: MLSNR.

Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano had no visible signs of volcanic activity, while the remaining land from the 2022 eruption continues to erode.

Tofua Volcano remains active but stable. Observations confirmed ongoing low-level degassing at the Lofia crater, with light to moderate steam and gas emissions rising steadily from vents. No ash emissions or explosive activity were detected during the flight.

Gas emissions rising from the Lofia vent on Tofua volcanic Island. 17 February 2026. Photo: MLSNR.

Public safety advisory issued

“Current volcanic activity does not pose a direct threat to major populated areas. However, Home Reef remains active, and further small eruptions and ash releases are possible,” the Volcano Watch Team, Tonga Geological Services, Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning and Natural Resources stated.

Mariners and the public are strongly advised to remain at least five nautical miles away from Home Reef.

The Ministry continues to monitor these volcanoes daily.

Also joining the flight were MEIDECC CEO Mr. Sione Akau’ola and Deputy CEO for the Natural Resources Division, Mr. Rennie Vaiomounga.